Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has retained a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million agreement aimed at enhancing his image and engagement within the United States policy circles.
The 12-month contract, payable in six installments, was formalised in March 2026, according to filings submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to reports on Sunday, the deal was signed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Fabiyi Oladimeji, who acted on Atiku’s behalf.
The agreement outlines plans to position Atiku more prominently among U.S. policymakers, while also countering narratives linked to the Tinubu administration.
The firm is expected to facilitate high-level meetings with members of Congress, executive officials, and other key stakeholders.
It will also provide advisory services focused on policy positioning, messaging, and reputation management, with emphasis on governance, regional stability, and economic development in Nigeria and West Africa.
Atiku, a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is seeking to build international support as Nigeria’s political landscape evolves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The lobbying effort comes at a challenging time for the party, following leadership disputes and regulatory decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has rejected rival factions within the ADC.
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In a recent statement, the lobbying firm signalled its intention to engage U.S. authorities over concerns about Nigeria’s opposition environment, particularly the impact of INEC’s decisions on the ADC’s ability to organise effectively.
The firm also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that upcoming elections meet international standards of transparency and credibility.
Beyond direct lobbying, the contract includes public relations and perception management strategies designed to shape how Atiku’s leadership vision is understood among influential audiences in Washington.
The move underscores a broader effort by the former vice president to strengthen his global standing as Nigeria’s political scene begins to take shape ahead of the next general election.
